Amidst the conflict in the Middle East countries, the arrival of foreign players in the upcoming Indian Premier League season (IPL 2026) has become uncertain. Australian players are reportedly facing problems in obtaining No Objection Certificate (NOC); Additionally, some Australian players are struggling with major injury problems.
For the IPL 2026 season, Delhi Capitals have roped in Australian speed star Mitchell Starc. According to the latest reports, the Pacer may get delayed in India. Ahead of the tournament, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani was asked about the possible arrival date of Mitchell Starc.
When will Mitchell Starc join Delhi Capitals for the IPL 2026 campaign?
In response, what the coach has said will not make Delhi Capitals fans very happy as Starc plays a vital role in their bowling. Badani said that the fast bowler has not yet received the necessary no objection certificate from Cricket Australia (CA).
As soon as the clearance is received, the franchise will know when the player can join the team. According to the latest media reports, Mitchell Starc may miss the first few matches of the Indian Premier League 2026.
Video | Regarding the availability of Mitchell Starc, Delhi Capitals head coach Hemang Badani says, “We are waiting for the NOC from Cricket Australia.”
(Full video available on PTI Video – https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/tAxBsP4g7c
– Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) 23 March 2026
DC Cricket Director reveals why Mitchell Starc’s NOC was delayed
“We are waiting for the NOC from Cricket Australia, once we get that, only then can we say anything about Starc’s availability,” Badani told the media in New Delhi on Monday.
Apart from this, there are also concerns regarding the fitness of the fast bowler. DC Cricket Director Venugopal Rao said that there are concerns about the fitness level of fast bowlers and perhaps that is why there is a slight delay in the NOC.
“Starc will come, we are just waiting for the NOC because his fitness is a matter of concern. We are just waiting for it,” Rao told PTI.
Delhi Capitals will begin their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign against Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cricket Stadium on April 1. At present, the star is likely to not participate in the team’s opening match of the tournament.
Mitchell Starc is important for Delhi Capitals as he was the team’s second-highest wicket-taker in the last campaign with 14 wickets in 11 matches.
There are also concerns about other Australian cricketers ahead of the tournament. Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins respectively will also not be able to play in the first few matches.
Since both the fast bowlers are worried about injury. He is currently undergoing rehabilitation process in Australia. The Australian fast bowler can fly to India for IPL 2026 only after regaining his fitness level.
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